Plowing Roads in a New Mack Truck

We are not getting a lot of snow so far this winter but here are a few clips from January 2020.
Thanks for watching!
Location: Pictou County, Nova Scotia, Canada

[@jonnymac8925]

IMO the plow drivers of Nova Scotia and the rest of Canada don't get enough praise or thanks for the hard work they do day and night. As a night driver doing cross province runs I see you guys on the roads with the other truckers all night putting in lots of hard work while most people are home asleep in their comfy warm beds. Keep up the amazing work, we need you guys!

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks BigRig! Without guys like you delivering goods we'd all be in trouble. I have a lot of appreciation for all the truckers out there keeping the wheels of economy going. Thank you for the nice comment and stay safe out there brother!

[@normsweet1710]

Watching the master when snowed in and can’t get out my drive to see for myself ! Bravo, well done, that plow is built right

[@jacksak]

Great video with excellent camera angles. And, it would be very interesting to hear you talk about the cab controls and features as you drive. Thanks.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks Jack! I will see what I can do. It would make for more interesting videos for sure.

[@davestelling]

@@JimHowDigsDirt That's a great comment, suggestion...!

[@rongjerning8370]

Hey Jim. Hats off to you for making our roads safer for all of us to get around during these winter months. But I suspect the job is a little more fun when you have a new vehicle to work with. Good seat, good heater, good visibility and controls that respond when you want them. Be safe, keep up the good work.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks Ron! New is always good, especially when it's this nice a truck to drive. Best plow truck I ever operated!

[@MrLordBaer]

Nice to see you getting some use out of the new toy. Nothing more frustrating in having new equipment in the yard and not the conditions to use them in.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks LordBaer! Just wish the snow was a little deeper to play in, lol.

[@bruceritchie7613]

Thank you for posting this video! I enjoyed watching the snow fly :)

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

I thank you for watching Bruce!

[@DonaldKing23]

I always enjoy Your plowing videos, & the others to. Been a pretty snow less winter Here in Iowa as well.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Yes, we haven't been getting any big storms here this winter either! We have been out plowing and salting a lot and put about 18,000 kilometers on the new truck this winter, but mostly only a few inches at a time. February and March we usually get a few good storms so hopefully I will get to put the Mack through the test before winter is over. Thanks for watching Donald!

[@JoshIsDope843]

Love it!! I could watch for hours, keep them coming!!

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks Tim! Hopefully when I go back on day shift we will get some snow to work with.

[@equipment-enthusiast]

Good job as always Jim! Love the view on the right side from behind the wing blade!

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks Allan! I am going to try some more like that but back a little further and mabe higher to see how that looks. I think I could get some cool shots from there with the 360 camera!

[@jimcook8933]

Wow! That thing just plows.

[@GrayPlayer]

Plowed in Hartford, Ct. 2 years, Simsbury, Ct. one year back in 70's. Really enjoyed the job!

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

With some of these new trucks you'd like it even more today!

[@davestelling]

Evening, Jim... You've got some great content here that I'm really enjoying, thanks! Let's hope this winter is big with snow, hu? Cheers, from lake Ontario New York...

[@realmccoy9597]

I still love the old oshkosh trucks here on KZbin.

[@marvinwegner6119]

Here's hoping you get more snow. Camera work provides some excellent vantage points.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Yes I think this camera was a good investment! February and March we usually get a few good snow falls so keep your fingers crossed!

[@seahorsecorral]

Awesome new views and camera placements.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks Stewart! I hope to get more cool shots before the winter is over.

[@smrekow]

Love the sounds must be nice

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

I like my new office for sure! Thanks for the comment!

[@workinghardusa]

Great video Joe, well done!

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks for the visit

[@jeffwoehrle]

Sweet rig!

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

It's a awesome working truck!

[@joeantonicci8920]

I love that M Drive transmission best ever built

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Yeah, she sure shifts nice!

[@kevinc.8869]

Gotta love a Mack!

[@mikecovelli8311]

Would love a breakdown of the in cab controls! Guessing the screen is spreader controls and holding the button on boost is applying more than the set rate?

[@randyowens2717]

Nice rig!

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

I love it!

[@bberry2448]

Nice job👍🏼

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks bberry!

[@whitetailwarriorsdeercamp88]

awesome video my dream job, love winter and i plow here in michigan but not i a truck like that lol. ... just your basic 3/4 ton 4x4 could plow year around but your job would be awesome to have

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Follow your dreams! Thanks for watching Dan!

[@Pretzel114]

Great vid!

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks Nick-O!

[@kodyadams5589]

Mack are ok but best truck for lowing are Kenworth . They are specially built for plow use . They use them in Alaska and Utah .

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

I know the KW's are an awesome truck but have never seen one around here set up for plowing. I wouldn't mind trying one out tho!

[@owensweetland342]

Better windshield de-icing on this Mack than the previous Western Star rig.

[@leol1682]

Thanks Jim like the video .

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thank you Leo! Hope to bring you more soon!

[@MrKabDrivr]

Brand new truck, but someone wasn't careful... Who broke that wide-angle mirror on the right side? And I see that the truck was rigged by AT Metals in Matane, Qc... Good bunch! I used to haul stuff to their shop...

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

I was wondering who would be the first to comment on my broken mirror, lol. I was still getting used to the new controls and bumped the mirror with my wing when cleaning up an intersection. Nothing serious as shit happens when plowing snow! Those guys at AT metals do makes some good stuff!

[@nottingham1844]

Pretty much my concept of the perfect job. Would enjoy more snow, though

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

It can be fun but also has it's scary moments!

[@fastst1]

doesn't steer so well!! diff locked or just tail heavy? Thanks for the ride along! One way plows do a fantastic job. So now that you have had a run or two, top five things you like about the Mack over the Western and vice versa?

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

I loved the old Western Star but I don't think I'd trade back now. It is fun when we get lots of deep snow to plow but that doesn't happen a lot here in Nova Scotia #1 Mack is a lot quieter and more comfortable with more leg room #2 easier to operate plow, wing and salt computer #3 spreads salt better and is more effective with the 3200 litres of brine on board #4 Essentially I find a lot less driver fatigue at the end of a long shift is most noticeable with this truck. #5 Love that new truck smell! lol. Thanks for the comment!

[@fastst1]

@@JimHowDigsDirt Driver fatigue is something a lot of muni's overlook less fatigue is less distraction, maybe just overdub the sound track that sexy growl with the jake brake :) I do go back and watch some of the older vids!

[@roysuomi9831]

Where are all the cars ? No traffic ? I plowed in Chardon Township ohio and I was constantly dodging cars.. My '98 Mack RD 690 P was no where near as decked out as this truck.. Nice video..

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks! There is not a lot of traffic on the roads I plow. Some nights I am out I might only meet three or four cars all night. I enjoy the quiet country roads!

[@richardthomas401]

Love the vidios, would like to see one going over how it works all the controls and buttons.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thank you! I will try to do one this winter.

[@davestelling]

Me, too!

[@jsnowstorm1311]

I see you have the moron light on the wing. For those that try to pass you on the right. Do you run carbide edges? I don’t like changing edges so I buy them. They are pricey. Yesterday was 3inchs of snow and 24hr of freezing rain

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

I was wondering what they called that light, lol. I run one carbide blade sandwiched between two soft blades on my plow and wing. Some of our highway trucks run two carbide and one soft and get a lot of miles on them before they wear out. Last week we got similar weather to yours but the freezing rain turned to pouring rain before the temperature dropped and everything froze up. Some crazy weather this winter for sure! Stay safe out there!

[@rollingcoal9500]

Hey mr. Jim!! Amazing vid. Love that new camera! Gets some really sick perspectives. Hope the new Mack is treating right. Btw love those new reflective bibs! Where did you get those? Mite have to get me a pair...thanks again! Keep it between the paint driver!

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks Rolling Coal! I'm really loving this new camera. The Mack is an awesome working truck and is a real joy to drive. The bibs are government issue and we are given a new set every year. I can buy extra pairs for $35 if you are interested.

[@johnlynn4945]

Just curious what speed you plow at. It looks fast. I drive a 2018 Mack with a wing plow and we are not allowed to exceed 30MPH with the plows down. (I plow on a 3 lane Interstate Hwy)

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

I plow mostly secondary roads and usually plow between 40 and 50 kms (25-30 mph) depending on weather and road conditions. If we are salting we aren't supposed to go over 50 kms as a lot of the salt will bounce off onto the shoulders of the road. I know the camera makes it look a lot faster when you see the snow coming off the plows. Thanks for the comment John!

[@rollingcoal9500]

Hey Jim got another question for ya, I noticed you guys don’t run belly plows. Any particular reason for this? Thanks 👍

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

No, I don't know why we don't run belly plows here in Nova Scotia. I can honestly say I have never ever seen one, besides on KZbin.

[@jackseamon7064]

We are not getting much snow in Massachusetts, either. One storm got us with a one -two punch in late November that gave us 26" total. It was melted in a week, no flooding. A crazy year.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Same here Jack! Not a lot of snow, just lot of little snow. Sure is a crazy winter weather wise.

[@_thespacegazer]

Every think or a camera facing the back, showing what you plowed?

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

I did it the other day but it wasn't too exciting with the little bit of snow we had. I will try it again when we get more snow flying off the wing!

[@timothyjesse4689]

Jim what computer and sander do you guys use

[@heartland96a]

How many miles have you put on it so far roughly ? What are your impressions , is it a better truck than the last ?

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

We have almost 18,000 kms (11,000 miles) on it this winter. I loved my old truck but I think I like this one even better. It's a lot more comfortable and easier to operate which means a lot less driver fatigue at the end of long shifts. That old Western Star was unbeatable when we get lots of snow to push tho. Thanks Heartland!

[@heartland96a]

@@JimHowDigsDirt That's outstanding ! Would not have thought it could have been driven so many miles so fast . All that with only normal maintenance . Hope you have a nice winter with out a dangerous blizzard that gets you stuck.

[@alexlaughton8900]

Beautiful work sir!

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thank you Alex!

[@class8garage308]

Nice 6 speed manual with 2 speed axle good old thermodyne engine in that I bet.

[@DynoDieselWagon]

Auto

[@TopRankedKilla]

Your from nova scotia?

[@zachlatimer9705]

Was wondering how you like the joystick for the controls

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

It takes a little getting used too but it's alright. A little less fatigue I think?

[@theodorebarrettsr.705]

Are you going to put up new vedios of snow plowing ?

[@dominicanbulldozer6496]

And how does it feel, your dog friend? Very good truck GRANITE MACK 🐕

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

I love it my friend! Great truck!

[@wbball15]

How do you like the Granite vs the Western Star?

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

I love the new Mack with all the creature comforts but the Western Star is a fun truck to drive. It's like comparing apples to oranges. The Mack is more luxurious where the Star in a workhorse.

[@theodorebarrettsr.705]

👍❤

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Thanks Theo!

[@davepenn9181]

Jim, how does this truck compare with the Western Start that you got new a few years back?

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

I had a lot of fun running the old Star. Especially when we got a lot of snow. I had the old truck out last winter and must say I wouldn't want to go back to it. The new truck is so much quieter and more comfortable when doing long shifts. I don't feel as tired and fatigued after 12 hours in the Mack. Thanks for asking Dave!

[@davepenn9181]

​@@JimHowDigsDirt Glad you like the new truck, Jim. Quiet is a good thing, and that cab does seem amazingly quiet. I can't imagine trying to catch a few winks when all you can hear is a bunch of mailboxes clattering against the wing blade. KIDDING!!!

[@FreezerBurn.]

This is how plowing should be done! Why is it nowadays the damn plows go so slow?

[@framfull]

Dont you have heated windshieldwipers?

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

No, but I sure wish I did! I wonder if Everblades would give me a set to try out in exchange for a demo video?

[@mikecapizzi5062]

I go 50 miles per hour Plowing big truck, u need to throw it far for the next time an on an on👍

[@JGJessome]

I see your wing plow kicked back and took out your round mirror.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

I hit that with the wing by mistake. I was picking it up and didn't take the front up fast enough

[@JGJessome]

@@JimHowDigsDirt That's what i thought ..... they can be nasty if were not careful ... I drive a single wing Mack plow here in Cape Breton.

[@philrusciano115]

need all the specs on the new rig.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

it is a 2019 Mack Granite with 505HP Mack engine and Mdrive 12 speed manual transmission with an automatic clutch. There is a Craig plow on the front and an AT wing on the side and an auger driven ePoke salt spreader in the back. Block rubber suspension on the back but it rides nice!

[@philrusciano115]

@@JimHowDigsDirt thanks for thr info it seems like one hell of a rig.

[@mchl8]

I can't believe the mack truck lineup. Chinsy they used to b a good rugged truck.

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

This truck is a lot more luxurious than any of the tough old Macks I've driven over the years. It is pretty rugged and well built but does have room for improvement in a few areas that I can see. The good outweighs the bad tho.

[@billythomson1225]

Kinda looked alot like my new mack there old bud

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

How you liking your new Mack Bill? They're pretty hard not to like ehh?

[@wxfield]

Brand New Mack Granite Plow truck. Taxpayers cost with plow at least $100k. Years of service until the frame rots through and the truck is garbage < 10.

[@haulinclass7478]

Sounds like a car 🚗 and it’s auto.

[@kylanm7053]

Alot of trucks in north america are quiet as a car now days and are automatic

[@JimHowDigsDirt]

Yes, it sure is a quiet truck to drive. It's actually a 12 speed manual with an automatic clutch that shifts like a dream. I think it works even better than a 6 speed Allison automatic as it has more gears to choose from. Thanks for watching!

[@Zeba269]

Nothing worse than plowing in a flat windshield truck.